Jeddah

Cruise Saudi has welcomed Aroya Cruises’ inaugural ship, AROYA, to Jeddah, with the vessel now ready to call the Saudi Arabian hub its homeport.

Saudi Arabian start-up cruise line Aroya Cruises has begun accepting reservations for its first destination, the Red Sea. The new cruise line says it will offer an “authentic Arabian experience to guests at sea and on land”

EDITION Opens Its 20th Outpost in Jeddah, Reflecting a New Era for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Shangri-La Group has welcomed a new addition with the opening of Shangri-La Jeddah, representing the luxury hotelier’s brand debut in Saudi Arabia. Situated in the exclusive Burj Assila, a 64-storey architectural icon and Jeddah’s tallest building – a soaring 260-metre-tall tower – Shangri-La Jeddah celebrates the brand’s Asian heritage while reflecting the local culture and environment. The hotel’s aesthetics pay homage to Shangri-La’s timeless style while elevating it to meet the evolving needs of modern travellers. Interiors draw on the three main elements of the brand’s new design ethos: Asian Sensibilities, Nature Inspired, and Spirit of Place.

Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans to convert a collection of historic and cultural palaces into extravagant boutique hotels. The Kingdom’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, this week revealed the vision which aims to revive “the vibrant heritage and culture of Saudi Arabia to create a new and unique hospitality experience”.

Add one more travel segment that Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”) is now affording its star rating: river cruises.